Philemon 1

About Philemon.

Paul’s Letter to Philemon

Purpose

To encourage Philemon to welcome back his slave Onesimus, who had become a believer

Author

Paul

Date

Traditionally, AD 60–62, but possibly earlier, around AD 53–56

Setting

Written while Paul was in prison, after he had encountered Onesimus, who was seemingly a runaway slave of Philemon, a Christian leader in Colossae

This short letter is the shortest and most personal of Paul's letters. It shows how Christ changes people's attitudes and relationships. Paul wrote it on behalf of Onesimus, a slave who had run away and was returning to his master, Philemon. Paul urged Philemon to do more than follow the usual master–slave relationship. He asked him to welcome Onesimus back as a dear brother in Christ. Through this message of reconciliation (restored relationship), Paul reminds us that Christ's love changes all relationships among Christians, no matter a person's social position.

Setting

Onesimus was an enslaved person who seems to have run away from his Christian master, Philemon. Philemon lived in Colossae, a small town in the Roman province of Asia (now western Turkey). Colossae was about 193 kilometers (120 miles) east of Ephesus. When Onesimus ran away, he might have stolen some of his master's belongings. Somehow, Onesimus met Paul, who was in prison, and became a Christian through Paul's teachings. When Paul learned that Onesimus was a slave who had run away, he encouraged him to return to his master.

Slavery was common in the Roman world. By law, anyone who captured slaves who had run away must return them to their owners. These slaves who ran away often encountered severe punishment. Upon return, they might whip, brand, or execute the slaves to set an example for others.

However, Philemon was a well-respected Christian leader and a gracious, loving person. Paul wrote this letter to Philemon from prison and sent it with Onesimus to ensure a warm Christian welcome for the runaway on what might have been a rather fearful return to his master. The letter resembles a letter of recommendation and carries the full weight of Paul’s authority as an apostle (a messenger sent by Jesus).

We do not know what happened when Onesimus returned. However, 50 or 60 years later, in a letter written to the Christians at Ephesus by the Christian martyr Ignatius, the name Onesimus appears again. This time it refers to a highly respected bishop in the province of Asia.

We cannot be sure that this was the same person, but it is possible. Because of his close connection with Paul, Onesimus may have become an important leader in the church and later served as bishop of the province of Asia. Paul's letter reminds us that social status does not determine a person's value in the church of Jesus Christ.

Summary

Paul encourages Philemon to treat Onesimus no longer as a slave but as a true brother in Christ. In his usual greeting (1:1–3), Paul introduces himself, greets Philemon, his family, and the church that meets in their home, and prays that they will receive grace and peace from God. Paul then thanks God for Philemon, especially for his faith in the Lord Jesus and the love he has shown to God's people (1:4–7).

Paul then makes his appeal for Onesimus (1:8–22). Although Onesimus had run away, he had now become a believer in Christ and had shown that his life had changed. Paul asks Philemon to welcome him back with grace and forgiveness. Paul would prefer Onesimus to remain with him and help him while he is in prison. However, Paul does not use his authority as an apostle to demand this. Instead, he wants any act of kindness to come willingly from Philemon and not because he feels forced. At the same time, Paul clearly suggests that Philemon should consider freeing Onesimus so that he can help spread the good news about Jesus.

The letter ends in the usual way (1:23–25). Paul sends greetings from several fellow believers and prays that the grace of Christ will be with Philemon and those in his household.

Occasion for Writing

Although the traditional view is that Onesimus was a runaway slave, other explanations have been suggested. For example, Onesimus may have been sent to Paul as a messenger. Or he may have asked Paul to help resolve a problem between him and his master. We do not know why Onesimus left Philemon's home. However, the traditional view fits the details of the letter well.

Date and Place of Writing

Traditionally, scholars believe that Paul wrote the Prison Letters (Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon) while he was in prison in Rome, around AD 60–62 or AD 64–65. However, some scholars believe that he wrote these letters earlier, during an imprisonment in Ephesus. See Ephesians Book Introduction, “Date and Place of Writing.”

Meaning and Message

This letter clearly shows how Christ changes people's attitudes and relationships. Those who know Christ are called to see others with love and to show that love in the way they treat them.

Paul's appeal to Philemon reminds believers that they should always be willing to forgive one another. No matter how others have wronged them, they should be ready to welcome them with kindness and show them acceptance and love.

In the church of Christ, traditional social divisions, such as the relationship between slave and master, should no longer separate people. Christians are called to show genuine love to one another, regardless of their social position, culture, education, ethnic background, or gender (see Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11). Paul's desire to bring Philemon and Onesimus back together in peace is an example of this kind of love.

Many people have asked why Paul did not clearly call for Onesimus to be set free or for slavery to end. In the Roman world, slavery was common and played a central role in Roman society. Paul, like many early Christians, appears to have accepted the social structures of his time, including slavery.

The main mission of the early Christians was not to change society through political action. Instead, they focused on helping people come to faith in Christ and grow as his followers. As the good news of salvation spread, Christ changed people's lives and relationships within the church.

Although Paul did not clearly ask Philemon to free Onesimus, he strongly suggests that he would like Onesimus to be released for the work of the good news. Paul consistently taught that Christians should live together in forgiveness and mutual love. These teachings helped shape Christian attitudes toward human relationships and later influenced many efforts to end slavery as an institution.

Philemon 1:1-3

The apostle Paul usually begins his letters with a brief introduction. He then offers greetings and calls for grace and peace.

Philemon 1:1

• Paul, a prisoner: Tradition says the apostle Paul was writing from prison in Rome. But he might have written it earlier from Ephesus, which is closer to Philemon’s home in Colossae (see Philemon Book Introduction, “Date and Place of Writing”).

• Timothy: He was one of Paul’s closest fellow workers (see “Timothy” Profile).

• fellow worker: Philemon was active in ministry for Christ.

Philemon 1:2

• This letter is not just for Philemon, it is also for his family and the church that met in their home.

• Apphia was probably Philemon’s wife.

• our fellow soldier: This refers to a servant of Christ who is in a spiritual battle and must be ready to fight against challenges (Ephesians 6:10–17).

• Archippus was probably Philemon’s son (also mentioned in Colossians 4:17).

• the church that meets in your house: This confirms that some early Christians would gather in private homes for worship (see also Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15).

Philemon 1:3

• You is plural, referring to everyone mentioned in 1:2.

• Grace and peace: This is a traditional Greek and Hebrew greeting. They are now understood as gifts from God (compare Romans 5:1–2).

Philemon 1:4-7

In his letters, Paul usually thanks God for the faith and love of the people he writes to. He also tells them that he prays for them (Romans 1:8–12; 1 Corinthians 1:4–9; 2 Corinthians 1:3–11; contrast Galatians 1:6–10). Ancient Greek letters sometimes included a thanksgiving section after the greeting.

Philemon 1:5

It is by faith in Christ that we are saved, and it is by love for fellow Christians that we live out our salvation.

Philemon 1:6

You can translate this verse in different ways. Paul is hinting that Philemon should be gracious toward Onesimus because God has been good to Philemon (compare 1:10, 17–19).

Philemon 1:8-9

• The apostle Paul asked for a favor because Philemon was well-known as a kind and loving person (1:5–7). Paul could have used his authority as an apostle of Christ to demand it, but he chose to ask out of love.

• I, Paul, am now aged: Paul appealed to the respect owed to older people and his status as a prisoner for Christ Jesus, which would increase a fellow Christian’s respect.

Philemon 1:10

• In the Roman world, owners could be harsh towards slaves who ran away. They could whip, mark, or even execute them.

• Onesimus was Paul's spiritual child because he became a Christian through Paul's ministry.

Philemon 1:11

• Onesimus means “useful.”

• Formerly he was useless, but now he has become useful: This might be a play on words (compare 1:20). Onesimus was now serving others and sharing the good news about Jesus. At last he had become what his name means.

Philemon 1:13-14

Paul suggests that he wants Philemon to decide to free Onesimus so he can help Paul (also 1:21). The Christian life is a voluntary response to God's grace (Romans 12:1; Ephesians 4:1; Colossians 3:12–13).

Philemon 1:15

• He was separated from you (literally he went away): This may be a polite way of saying that Onesimus ran away. Paul might be avoiding a direct mention of what Onesimus did.

• so that you might have him back for good: Paul implies that God guided these events so that Onesimus would come to faith.

Philemon 1:16

• Even though Onesimus was still legally Philemon’s slave, Philemon should consider him a beloved brother and care for his well-being.

• both in person and in the Lord: They were spiritual brothers in Christ so this should now change their entire relationship in both the natural and spiritual worlds.

Philemon 1:18

Onesimus might have stolen some things from Philemon’s home or had a debt to pay off when he ran away.

Philemon 1:19

• Paul guarantees his promise by adding his own signature. He usually dictated his letters to a secretary, but at times he wrote a short part in his own handwriting, as he does here.

• your very self: This means Philemon’s salvation. Philemon owed Paul far more than anything Onesimus might have owed him. It is not clear whether Paul led Philemon to faith directly or whether Philemon believed through Paul’s wider preaching (compare Colossians 1:7).

Philemon 1:20

let me have some benefit: Or do me this favor. The Greek word onaimēn (meaning “favor” or “benefit”) may be a wordplay on the name Onesimus, which can mean “useful” or “beneficial” (compare 1:11).

Philemon 1:21

Paul may be suggesting that he hopes Philemon will set Onesimus free (see 1:13–14). He may also be expressing his trust in Philemon’s kindness.

Philemon 1:22

Paul asked for a guest room because he planned to visit. This request supported his plea for Philemon to treat Onesimus kindly. When Paul arrived, he would see how Philemon would treat Onesimus.

Philemon 1:23-25

Paul often ends his letters with greetings from others and a blessing. Compare Colossians 4:7–18. Paul’s letters to the Colossians and to Philemon were probably carried to Colossae at the same time by Tychicus and Onesimus.

Philemon 1:23

Epaphras was a native of Colossae who first brought the good news to Philemon and his family (Colossians 1:7; 4:12).

Philemon 1:24

• Paul mentions these men at the end of his letter to the Colossians (Colossians 4:10, 14).

• fellow workers: They helped the apostle Paul spread the good news about Jesus.

• Mark: See “John Mark” Profile.

• Aristarchus: He was a faithful helper who served with Paul for many years (Acts 19:29; 20:4; 27:2).

• Demas: He was a fellow worker who later abandoned Paul (2 Timothy 4:10).

• Luke: See “Luke” Profile.

Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.